AKRON @ KENT STATE (AKR -9.5, 48.5)
OVER 48.5
These are two bad football teams. Combined, these two teams have just two wins, both coming from Akron. Kent State is the worst defense in the MAC and likely in the nation. The Golden Flashes rank at or near the bottom of every major defensive statistical category. Akron's offense plays pretty fast, but they only score about 19 points per game. Tonight though, they will go up against a defense that gives up over 500 total yards and 44 points per game.
Kent State's offense isn't much better. The Golden Flashes average just over 14 points per game, but they have scored some points against weaker MAC defenses. They put up 21 against Western Michigan and 35 against Ball State. Seven of the Zips 10 games this season have gone Over the total. I think Kent State can have enough success to help push this total Over 48.5.
NORTHERN ILLINOIS @ MIAMI (OH) (MIA -2.5, 42.5)
MIAMI (OH) -2.5
Miami (OH) can move one step closer to a MAC title game berth with a win tonight. Miami, Ohio, and Bowling Green are all 5-1 in conference play. The next two weeks will determine which of the two play for the conference championship. Getting past NIU won't be easy, but the RedHawks have done exactly that three years in a row.
Miami wins games with its defense. The RedHawks are No. 2 in the conference in scoring defense allowing 18.7 points per game. They will have to deal with NIU's MAC-leading rushing offense (219.7 ypg). Miami doesn't run the ball well and will rely on veteran QB Brett Gabbert. The RedHawks ranks 7th in the nation in Pass Success Rate.
But, this game will be a battle of the top two defenses in the conference. Defense is why Miami is 5-0 in its last five games. The RedHawks are also 6-1 in their last seven at home. NIU has won 9 of its last 13 games, but they are just 2-4 SU and 1-8 ATS in recent games against Miami. I like the defending MAC champs at home tonight.
UNCW @ KANSAS (KAN -23, 155.5)
KANSAS -23
If you didn't know, UNCW leads the naiton in scoring. The Seahawks average 108 points per game. The issue is that those big numbers came against teams named Mt. Olive, Georgia Southern, and South Carolina Upstate. Those teams combined are nowhere near Kansas.
The Jayhawks are the No. 1-ranked team in the nation and rightfully so. They are 4-0 with a very impressive 92-89 win over North Carolina. They've played two inferior opponents and held both to fewer than 60 points. Don't be surprised if they do it again tonight. Kansas plays Duke next week and this will serve as a solid tune up. UNCW is in for a long night.
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